David Richards

David Richards

Pre-Health Focus: Pre-Med

Hobbies/Extracurricular Activities: I enjoy skiing, running, hiking, backpacking, camping, and pretty much anything outdoors. I also play the guitar, just not very well. I like to be active and I usually have a difficult time sitting still.

Initial Interest: My interest in healthcare stems from an anatomy class that I took during my senior year of high school. I quickly became fascinated with the complexity of the human body and the coordinated interactions between human anatomical systems and the environment. This fascination, combined with my passion for learning, drives my motivation to pursue a career in healthcare. In my spare time, I enjoy watching videos and looking at pictures of different types of surgeries and procedures.

Experience Highlights: I shadowed an oncologist/hematologist at a cancer clinic in Las Vegas, where I was amazed by both the amount of trust patients had in their physician and the intense responsibility the physician had as a result. When dealing with cancer treatments, the stakes are extremely high, and the oncologist is truly responsible for the lives of patients. This is a particularly grueling field due to the intensity of treatments and the unavoidable losses, but this only makes the wins and getting to know patients even more rewarding. I loved the pace and the intensity of this specialty, as well as the ability to truly connect with patients. Though I am still unsure as to what I would want to specialize in myself (or if I want to specialize), I know that I love the fast pace and strong patient interactions that come with being a physician.

Advice for new Pre-Health Students: Don't overwhelm yourself! Grades are important, but be sure to leave time for other activities, and some fun too. Remember that you want to have a well-rounded resume, and be careful not to become burned out - especially in the first few semesters! Pre-med students aren't perfect, so don't put too much stress on yourself. Do your best work and be sure to find things that you enjoy.